Manifolding attachment for typewriters



. 15, 1936. J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL 2,063,959.

MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet l QQQTORS Dec. 15, 1936. J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 15, 1936. J. Q. SHERMAN ET AL 2,063,959,

MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 A TON Dec. 15, 1936. SHERMANET AL 2,063,959

MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed Aug. 29, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 15, 1936. J. Q. SHERMAN [ET AL 9 MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS Fild Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 35 38 i 59 I I.

Dec. 15, 1936. J SHERMAN ETAL I 2,063,959

MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS Filed Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 aka 3106b.

OUHIIGODUHDDUUDUUUUUUDUUDUDUUIU INVEN O ATTORN Patented Dec: 15, 1936.

MANIFOLDID/IG ATTAOlllVlENT FOR.

TYPEWRITERS John Q. Sherman and Albert W. Metzner, Dayton, Ohio; said Metzner assignor to said Sherman Application August 29, 1933, Serial No, 687,304

54 Claims.

This invention relates to writing machines and more particularly to a manifolding attachment for typewriters wherein the interleaved transfer material is periodically retracted into registry with succeeding portions of the record material. In the present embodiment of the invention supply portions of continuous superposed strips of record material are progressively fed over a guide frame extending upwardly and rearwardly from the machine to the platen roll. Upon the guide frame is a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material to which the supply portions of the record strips are temporarily clamped during the feeding operation whereby the interleaved transfer material and record strips advance in unison. At'the limit of the advance movement, when a set of forms or predetermined lengths of the superposed record strips have been inscribed, the record strips are clamped independently of the transfer material and held in their advanced .positions by marginal grippers and at the same time such strips are released from the traveling carrier while the traveling carbon carrier is being retracted. -At the limit of return motion of the carbon carrier the clamping engagement of the stripsis reversed, the strips being releasedwhere engaged by the marginal grippers and reengagedwith the travelling carbon carrier. The altereasily controlled and unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide for relief of tension upon the record strips at the end of the strip feeding operation to enable the retraction of the interleaved carbon material 5 without loss of alinement or registry of printed forms upon such strips.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved alternating strip engaging means and operating means therefor by which the-strips are engaged for unison travel movement with the carbon carrier and alternately engaged independently thereof, for stationary retention while the carbon carrier is shifted independently of means into and out of engagement in a predenate operation of the strip clamping means may be effected either automatically or by separate manual operations. Preferably the handle used to return the traveling carbon carrier also serves to release the clamping engagement of the-strips the transfer sheets may be relieved, before the carrier is returned the writing machine platen roll is reversely rotated. a short distance to place a limited amount of slack or sag in the portions of the strips about the platen roll, thus enabling the carbon material to be easily withdrawn. The registry of the superposed portions of the strips is maintained by pinwheel units associated with the platen roll by which the strips are fed positively but loosely held upon the laten roll. v

The object of the invention is to improve the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of strip'fecding and carbon shifting apparatus for manifolding attachments for writing machines whereby they will not only be of simplified construction, but will be more efficient 55 in use, uniform in operation, automatic in action,

In order that the frictional resistance of the strips to; the return of objects in view, as will more fully appear in the termined cycle of operations.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved forms of paper clamping means.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved carbon sheet mounting means for engagement with the reciprocatory carrier.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved carbon carrier supporting and control means.

specification, the inventionconsists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims. I

In the drawings, wherein is shown the preferred but not necessarily the only, form of embodiment of theinvention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled manifolding attachment forming the subject matter hereof illustrated in its relation to a writing machine. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the manifolding attachment and con-' ti'guous portions of the writing machine. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of-the device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a traveling paper supply carrier and support for the manifolding device by which it is supported independently of the writing machine but interconnected therewith for unison travel. Figs. 5 and 6 are detail perspective views of the marginal strip gripper operating mechanism showing the gripper respectively in open and closed positions and the operating parts correspondingly disposed. Fig. 6 further shows the relaxation of the record strips by slight reversal of the platen roll to release the carbon for retraction. Fig. 7 is a detail side view of the gripper operating means. Figs. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the means for securing the record strips ,to the carbon carrier for unison movement, in closed and open relation respectively. Fig. 10 is a detail view of the gripper roll actuating means illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 11 is a detail view of a modified form of means for detachably engaging the record strips with the carbon carrier. Fig. 12 is a detail view of a modification of the mounting of the carbon shifter frame. Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate front and side views respectively of a modification of the means for maintaining the alinement of the carbon carrier. Fig. 15 is a detail view of one of the transfer material hangers. Figs. 16 and 17 are respectively a-perspective view and a topplan' of a frictional brake device for the travelingcarrier. 1

The present manifolding apparatus is'applicable to any standard typewriter, biller-or other? writing machine, I, and is mounted upon an independent supporting structure for to and fro travel, in-unisonwith the reciprocation of the platen carriage of the writing machine, or may be mounted directly upon the typewriter frame or carriage. r

The present support includes a receiver 2 for a paper supply having an upstanding front wall 3. The carrier is shown mounted for to and fro travel upon a track I supported upon a pedestal 5 at the rear of the writing machine. The en-- gagement of the paper carrier. with the supporting track is preferably provided with antifriction bearings. From the upstanding front wall of the paper carrier screw thread rods 6 project in opposite directions and afford supporting and attachment means for the manifolding apparatus. Carrying arms Tare adjustably mounted on the screw threaded supporting rods 6. The rods 6 also carry jointed arms 8 adjustably con- .nected with brackets -9 upon the reciprocatory platen carriage ll! of the typewriter I, whereby unison motion is transmitted from the platen carriage to the paper carrier 2 and thence to the manifolding apparatus.

The manifolding apparatus supported upon the arms I includes a main frame having parallel side bars I l the opposite ends of which are twisted through ninetydegree deflection and are interconnectedby transverse rods l2 at their upper and lower ends into a rectangular frame. A mounting plate l3 for gripper mechanism is fixedly secured adjacent the lower ends of the I side bars I l, and the structure is rigidly braced by a diagonal truss bar I offset back -of the frame with which it is connected by bent ends 15. The frame is supported in an upwardly and rear- I wardly inclined position by brace bars i6 pivoted to the upper end of the frameand adjustably connected to the supporting arms I.

Carried by brackets I! attached to the side bars i'l adjacent to their ends are sprocket wheels I! over which passchain belts l3 attached to the in alternating relation with the strips.

chain belts uniformly to maintain the vertically sliding carbon carrier at all times in parallel relation with the platen roll and at right angle to the direction of travel. The traveling carbon carrier is provided with forwardly projecting hook studs 22 upon which a succession of carbon sheet holders 23 are suspended one over another. Each holder 23 comprises a thin blade 24 over which the end of a sheet 25 of transfer material is folded, as illustrated in Fig. 15, and to which is pivoted a thin channel shaped member 26 adapted to enclose the folded portion of the transfer sheet 25 and blade 24 when turned to parallel relation therewith. The holder is provided with holes 21 at each end for engagement over the stud hooks 22. Adjacent to the carbon holder hooks 22 are guide studs 28 between which the record strips 23 are disposed.

The record material 29 comprises continuous strips of series connected printed forms which are preferably collectively interfolded in zig-zag formation into packet form, and are fed from thesupply carrier 2 over the top rod l2 of the frame of the apparatus and thence down the forto loosely retain them over the rod. The strips 29 pass between two rock shafts 3| and 32 -mounted in brackets 33 projecting from the slidhandle 35 by which the shaft is rotated against the'tension of a retracting spring 36, and which also serves as a handle for retraction of the sliding carbon carrier upon the frame.' The rock shafts 3| and 32 are interconnected for unison with an upward pulling motion which by initialmovement of .the crankarm causes separation of the knurled gripper portions 3.4 of the rock shafts and by further effort elevates the sliding carbon carrier upon the frame independently-of the record strips, to draw the interleaved transfer sheets upwardly between the strips into registry with the succeeding set of forms upon the strips.

Beyond the eccentric grippers 34 the strips pass between the spacedguide studs 23 and thence between the sheets of carbon or transfer material suspended from the hooks 22, which are arranged ting up the apparatus for operation a carbon sheet holder 23 is engaged upon the hooks 22 over holders 23 are somewhat longer than the width 01 the strips 23 and project laterally therebeyond In setfor engagement pf their perforated ends with the hooks 22.

The superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer sheets then pass under the platen roll 40 of the writing machine I in the usual manner. 7

While the apparatus is usable with a writing machine having the customary friction feeding i means wherein-pressure rollers coact with the platen roll' for advancing the multiple strips of record material past writing position it is preferably used with a machine having positive feeding means for the strips by which they are positively but loosely fed aboutthe platen roll. There is shown in the drawings a platen roll 40 having feeding pins 4| for progressive engagement with series punched feeding holes 42 in the margins of the record strips.

In their passage over the frame of the present apparatus to the platen roll 40 the opposite mar- 43 are held elevated and inoperative by an oscillatory cam member 41 preferably provided with a roller 48 engaging the under sides of the grippers to elevate them against the tension of their retracting springs 45 and hold them insuch elevated inoperative position as is shown in Fig. 5 during the advance movement of the record strips. The camming members pertaining to the grippers at the opposite sides of the frame, en-

gageable' with opposite margins of the strips, are mounted on a common rock shaft extending.

across the frame beyond the mounting plate l3 by which the shaft and camming members are carried. This shaft is provided with an operating arm 49- which may be extended as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 7 for manual operation to raise and lower the grippers 43, but is preferably automatically actuated by a suitable snap over mechanism as the sliding carboncarrier ap- =proaches the opposite limits of its range of movement. V

To automatically operate thegrippers 43 to engage and release the'record strips in the proper cycle of operation. there-is provided behind one of the side bars ll a reciprocatory shift rod 50 sliding'in suitable brackets 5| on -the frame barn Adjustable stops 52 on the shift rod are engaged by the sliding carbon carrier as it approaches each limit of its range of travel and thereby actuates the shift rod inunisontherewlth first.

in one direction and then in the other. At its lower end the shift rodis connected by a link 53 with a. stud 54 projecting from one armpf a lever 55 pivoted to-a rearwardly extending portion of themounting plate 13. The Op site end of the lever 55 is connected by a link 58 with the arm 51 of a lever having the offset arms 51 and 58. The arm 58, comprises one, member of a toggle link the other member 59 of which slidingly projects through a hole in the laterally bent end 50 of the trip arm 49, and carries a compression spring BI between its engagement with frame.

member '58 is pivoted in such relation to the trip arm 49 that as the toggle is turned first in one direction and then in the other by the shifting movement of the rod 50, the spring 6| is compressed and by its reaction as the toggle members. pass dead center position it actuates the trip arm 49 in alternate directions, to close the grippers 43 upon-the margins of the record strips as the carbon carrier reaches the lower limit of its travel and to open the grippers to release the strips upon engagement of the carrier with the stop 52 at the upper limit of its travel.

Paper guide fingers 62 depend from the grippers 43 into approximate relation with the platen roll 49 of the writing machine. The carbon carrier being fixedly connected with the record strips by the clamping engagement of the knurled portions 34 moves downwardly in unison with the normal advance feeding movement of the strips, until the terminal set of forms or pore tions of the strips have been inscribed. As it reaches the limit of its travel it effects the re- In the event that a'pin type platen roll is employed and the material is positively fed thereby, the platen roll is turned backwardly one space 35 thereby relaxing the tension upon the strips and effecting an accumulation of slack or sag in the strips between their points of engagement with theplaten roll feeding pins 4| and the grippers 43 which releases the pressure upon the interleaved transfer sheets and permits them to be freely withdrawn by the elevation of the carbon carrier while the strips are stationarily held by the grippers 43. The operator now graspingthe crank handle 35 to lift .the carbon carrier by the initial impulse upon the crank rocks the shafts 3i and 32 to disengage the eccentric knurled portions 34 slides the carrier upwardly upon the frame, pulling the transfer sheets upwardly between the record strips and from about the platen roll into registry with the succeeding set of forms to be inscribed. At the limit of. such retrograde movement, the carrier engages the uppermost stop 52 to elevate the shift rod 50 and thereby actuate the snap over mechanism to disengage the grip pers 43 :preparatory to repetition-of the cycle of. operation.

If desired the automatic operation of the grippers 43 may be omitted and the trip lever may be, manually operated at the proper times is extended for convenient manual tripping as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 7.

In lieu of the chain belts I 9 and sprockets I 8- cords may be passed over guide pulleys to maintain the sliding carbon carrier for parallel motion in the manner well known for controlling a the movement of a straight edge over a drawing board. The parallel relation of the carbon carrier might also be maintained by a form 'of rack and pinion engagement between the carrier and '13 and 14 wherein the side bars H of the guide from the strips and by continued'lifting effort to raise. and lower the-grippers, in which case it Such construction is illustrated in Figs. I

frame are shown with successions of equally spaced perforations 63 for engagement of pinion wheels 64 mounted for unison rotation on a transverse shaft 65 journaled in brackets 66a friction finger 66 bearing upon a drum 61 mounted on the pinion shaft 65 in the event such rack and pinion governor is employed, or otherwise mounted on the sprocket shaft 2| as shown in Fig. 1.

In lieu of the eccentric grippers 34 for detachably engaging the record strips with the traveling carrier, the latter may be provided with a yieldingly mounted stud 68, which is illus-, trated as carried by a leaf spring 69, and engageable in registering holes of the record material beyond the margins of the transfer material. An overhanging paper guide I0 is provided beneath which the punched margins of the record strips travel. The paper guide is provided with a hole registering with the yielding stud which normally projects through registered marginal holes of the strips and through the paper guide as shown by solid lines in Fig. 11. For depressing the yielding strip engaging studs of which there is one at each side of the carrier 20, the crank handle 35 is provided with a rock arm 1| engageable with the flexible leaf spring 69. As the crank handle is raised preparatory to elevating the carbon carrier the engagement of the rock arm II with the spring blade 69 depresses the stud out of engagement with the record strips, thus releasing them for independent retraction of the carrier and transfer sheets.

While the preferable mounting of the device is independent of the writing machine as illus trated in Figs. 1 and 4, it may be directly attached to the traveling platen carriage of the writing machine. To this end, the lower ends of the side bars ll of the frame may be enlarged at 12 and twisted through a quarter turn as shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14.

Such enlarged ends are provided with divergent notches 13 engageable over spaced studs 14 on brackets 15 extending from the platen carriage of the writing machine in lieu of the brackets 9 shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The frame is locked in such position by a .detent hook 16. A demountable structure is preferable to permit its removal in order that the typewriter may be used for other purposes.

In lieu of the simple brake drum 6! and spring finger 66, there may be employed a frictional disc device such asis illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. In such construction the transverse shaft 65 carries a disc 16 pinned or otherwise fixedly secured thereto and also a disc 11 mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith but capable of longitudinal sliding. motion toward the fixed disc 16. Interposed between the discs 16 and I1 is a stationary disc I8 held against rotation by engagement of a peripheral projection 19 in a suitably located hole in the traveling carrier 20.

The several discs are pressed laterally into frictional engagement with 'each other by a spring 8| the tension of which may be varied by adjustcompletion of the writing operation without the reverse movement of the platen roll to release the tension of the strips when only four or five copies are to be made. When a large number of copies are being manifolded, the frictional resistance due to crowding of the greater number of strips upon the feeding pins greatly increases the resistance of the transfer sheets to withdrawal and a limited reverse motion of the platen roll is desirable to effect a slight sag or accumulation of slack in the strips by which the tension is relieved. Where a friction feed'platen is needed, it is necessary to release the friction feed rollers to retract the carbon sheets. The transfer sheets being narrower than the record sheets permits the gripping of the record sheets or forms without engagement of the transfer sheets. This permits a relative movement of the transfer strips with respect to the record strips when held in position.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but thatthe means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention. into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications main portion of the record strips independently of the transfer material, giving to the platen roll a partial reverse rotation while maintaining the record material in feeding engagement therewith, to thereby form a relaxed bight of record strips between their point of engagement with the platen roll and the point at which they are held so as to relax their frictional engagement. with the transferv sheets'and thereupon retracting the transfer sheets.

2. The herein described method of progressively feeding superposed record strips and interleaved transfer material relative to' a rotary platen of a writing machine and intermittently retracting the transfer material, including fixedly interconnecting the record and transfer material for advance feeding movement, and feeding the record and transfer material collectively about the platen roll, engaging the record material with the platen roll independently of the transfer material, disengaging the record material from the transfer material, holding the main portions of the record material immovable independently of the transfer material, reversing the platen roll through a limited partial rotation to relax the record strips and relieve frictional pressure thereof on the interleaved transfer material and relatively retracting the transfer material.

3. The herein described method consisting in fixedly interconnecting superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer sheets for :unison travel motion, advancing the interconnected record and transfer material in unison past writing position, immovably holding the main portions of the record material, retracting the record strips independently of the transfer material through a short portion only of the previ ous advance movement to relax the tension thereof and release the transfer material and retracting the transfer material independently of the record strips a distance substantially equal to their previous advance movement while still holding the record strips immovably, releasing the record strips and reconnecting them with the transfer material.v

4; The'herein described method, including feeding superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer sheets in unison past writing position, gripping the record strips independently of the interleaved transfer material in spaced relation rearwardly of the feeding point, reversing the direction of feeding movement of the strips and transfer material to thereby relieve the tension upon the strips intermediate the feeding point and that at which the strips are gripped to release the transfer material for retrogrademovement.

5. The herein described method, including feeding superposed record strips and interleaved transfer sheets in unison past writing position, stationarily holding the main portions of the record strips intheir advanced positions independently of the interleaved transfer material, reversing the feeding movement of the portions of the strips in advance of the points at which their main portions are held to relieve the tension thereon and release the carbon material for retrograde motion and then releasing the record strips for further advance movement.

6. The herein described method of progressively feeding superposed record strips and interleaved transfer sheets about a platen roll of. a writing machine and intermittently retracting the transfer sheets, including feeding the record strips and transfer sheets in unison, arresting the movement of the main portions of the record strips independently of the transfer material, slightly retracting the advance portion of the strips to relax the tension thereof and'release the transfer sheets for retrograde movement and retracting the released sheets.

7. The herein described method of manipulating manifolding material in a writing machine,

including feeding superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer material in unison past a writing position, retaining the inscribed portions of the record strips substantially in adfer material and relatively retracting the transfe'r material independently of the. strips of record material. a

.8. The herein described method of manipulating manifolding material in a writing machine,

a including feeding superposed strips of record ma.-

terial and interleaved transfer material in unison past a writingposition, holding the strips in their advanced positions without material retractive adjustment, causing an accumulation of slack in the record strips contiguous to the writing position, thereby relieving the binding pressure of the strips upon the interleaved transfer material and relatively retracting the transfer material.

9. The herein described method of manipulat ing manifolding material in a writing machine, including feeding superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer material in unison past a writing position, holding the main portions of the strips in their adjusted position and retracting the advance portions of the strips a minimum distanceto effect an accumulation of slack therein by which binding pressure of the strips upon thetransfer material is relieved and thereafter relatively retracting the transfer material leaving the strips in substantially their former advanced positions.

10. The herein described method of manipulating manifolding material in a writing machine, including progressively advancing superposed record strips and interleaved transfer material in unison past a writing position, causing a limited accumulation of slack in the supply portions of .the record strips contiguous'to the writing position, to thereby relax the binding effect of the strips upon the interleaved transfer material and relatively retracting the transfer material while the strips remain substantially stationary.

11. In a transfer sheet shifting means for writing machines having rotary platens, a traveling transfer sheet carrier to which a plurality of sheets of transfer material are attachable independently of but in alternating relation with superposed record strips, means for interconnecting the record strips with the carrier for unison travel motion, means connecting the record strips with the-platen roll independently of the transfer material for limited reverse feeding motion, and means for immovably holding the main portion of the strips during such reverse feeding motion, the carrier and attached transfer sheets being then r retractable independently of the strips.

' 12. In a transfer sheet holder and shifter means for writing machines, the combination with a platen roll of a writing machine about which superposed strips of record material and interleaved sheets of transfer material are to be fed in unison past a writing position, of means for engaging the record strips with the platen independently of the transfer material, for limited reverse movement, and means for immovably holding'the main portions of the strips independently of the transfer material during such reversal of the portion engaged with the platen, whereby the tension upon the strips and their pressureupon the interleaved transfer material is relieved thereby enabling the transfer sheets to be relatively withdrawn.

13. In a transfer sheet shifter means for writing machines, the combination with a platen roll of a writing machine about which superposed strips of record material andinterleaved sheets of transfer main portion of the strips in spaced relation with their engagement with the platen roll, whereby a limited reverse partial rotation of the platen roll will slacken the strips between their points of engagement to release the interleaved transfer ma-.

terial for relative retractive movement.

14. In a transfer sheet shifter mechanism for writing machines, a guide frame associated with the writing machine having a rotary platen, a reciprocatory carbon carrier .thereon to which a series of carbon sheets are attachable in alternation with strips of record material for unison travel about the platen and past writing position, means for engaging the record strips with the traveling carrier for unison travel motion, means for maintaining engagement of the record strips with the platen independently of the engagement of the interleaved carbon material, and means for temporarily holding the record strips independently of the carbon material intermediate the platen and the reciprocatory carrier to enable relative shifting movement of the carbon material by return motion of the carrier.

15. In a transfer sheet shifting means for writing machines having rotary platens, a stationery guide frame associated with the writing machine, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material mounted thereon to which transfer sheets arranged in alternating relation with superposed record strips are attached and means for alternately fixedly engaging the record strips with the carrier and relative to the guide frame, and means for further engaging the record strips with the platen roll independently of the transfer material, substantially as and for the purpose specifled. l

16. In a transfer sheet shifter means for writing machines a traveling carrier for transfer ma- -terial, guide means therefor, means for detachably connecting associated record strips with the carrier for unison travel motion, means for holding'the main portions of the strips in adjusted relation independently of the carrier, means for imparting a minimum retrograde motion to a loosely held portion of the strips to effect an accumulation of slack therein, said several means being operable in sequence to effect unison feeding of the record and transfer material, the release of the transfer material from engagement with the record material and detention of the record material in its advanced position while the transfer material is retracted.

17. In acarbon shifting means for writing ma-.

record strips therewith for unison travel motion,

detent means for holding the record strips extending circumferentially about the platen in their advanced positions but slackened independently of the transfer material confined on both sides by the record material and means for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the strips by the travel of the transfer material carrier. 7

19. In a carbon shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically preparatory to further unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material, advancing in unison with record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved conflnement and retractable independently thereof for retracting the circumferentially extending transfer sheets simultaneously, detent means for holding the record strips in their advanced positions but slackened independently of the transfer material, and means for automatically effecting the engagement of said detent means as the carrier approaches the limit of its advance movement and for automatically effecting the disengagement thereof as the carrier approaches the limit of its retrograde movement.

, which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement and retractable independently thereof for retracting the circumferentially extending transfer sheets simultaneously, detent means for holding the record strips in their advanced but slackened positions independentlyof the transfer material said detent being'operable to engage the record material independently of the transfer material as the record and transfer material approach the limit of their unison advance movement, and operable to release the record material as the transfer material approaches the limit of its retrograde movement.

21. In a carbon shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically preparatory to further unison advance movement, a reclprocatory carrier for transfer material, advancing in unison with record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement and retractable independently thereof for withdrawing all of the circumferentially extending transfer sheets simultaneously, detent means for holding the record strips in their advanced but slackened positions independently of the transfer material and detent operating means engaged by the carrier as it approaches the limit of its range of travel in either direction for operating said detent alternately into and out of engagement with the record material.

2 2. In a carbon shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically preparatory to further unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material, advancing in unison with record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement and retractable independently thereof for withdrawifl all of the circumferentially extendmaterial, snap over actuating. mechanism for the detent, and a trip therefor by which the detent is operable alternately into and out of record material engaging position.

23. In a carbon shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically preparatory to further unison advance movement,- a reciprocatory can'ier for transfer material, advancing in unison with record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement and retractable independently thereof when the record material extending circumferentially about the writing position is held in advanced but slackened position, coupling means for' detachably engaging the record strips with the transfer material carrier for unison advance travel motion therewith, said coupling means being operable to automatically release the record strips at thelimit of their advance movement preparatory to retraction of the carrier and to automatically reengage the strips with the carrier at the limit of its retractive movement. I 1

24. In a carbon shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically preparatory to .further unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material, advancing in unison with record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement and retractable independently thereof when'the record material extending circumferentially about the writing position is held in advanced but slackened position, means for detachably engaging the record strips with the transfer material carrier for unison travel movement therewith, means for effecting the disengagement of the strips from the carrier as the carrier approaches'the limit'of its advance movement, andfor reengaging the record strips with the carrier at the limit of retrograde movement of the carrier.

25. In acarbon shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record 1 material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the trans fer material relatively -.-retracted periodically preparatory to furtherunisomadvance movement, a reciprocatory .carrier for transfer material advancingin unison with the record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement said carrier advancing with the record material as it advances past writing position, and retractable independently 26. In a transfer sheet shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two in terleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodical- 1y preparatory to further unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material advancing in unison with the record strips between which the transfer material is in interleaved confinement said carrier advancing with the record material as it advances past writing position, and retractable independently thereof when the record material extending circumferentially about the writing position is held in advanced but slackened position, a manually operable member for retracting the carrier, and strip engaging means controlled thereby for interconne'cting the record strips with the carrier and operable to release the strips upon initial movement of the carrier retracting member the further movement of which efiects retraction of the carrier, said strip engaging means being operable to reengage the strips with the carrier upon release by the operator of the retracting member at the limit of the retrograde movement of the carrier.

27. In a transfer sheet shifter means for a writing machine, wherein a plurality of plies of record material strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets are advanced in unison circumferentially past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically through an arcuate path extending about the writing position preparatory to further unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material advancing in unison with the record strips between which the transstrips.

28. In a transfer sheet shifter means for a writing machine, wherein record material strips and interleaved transfer sheets are advaneed in unison past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically preparatory to further unisonadvance movement, a reciprocatory carrier for transfer material advancing in unison with the record strips between which the transfer material is interleaved, and retractable independently thereof, strip engaging means for interconnecting the record strips with the carrier for unison advance movement, strip engaging means for holding the strips in their advanced position during the retractive movement of the carrier,-and means ,incident to the travel of the carrier for operating the respective strip engaging means to alternately engage and release the strips at the opposite limits of the range of travel of the carrier.

29. A transfer sheet shifter means for a writing machine having a rotary platen wherein record material strips and interleaved sheets of transfer material are advanced in unison past a writing position by the rotation of the platen and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically, preparatory to further advance movement, including means for interconnecting the record strips with the platen roll independently of the transfer material, and strip engaging means in spaced relation with their point of engagement with the platen roll for holding the strips in their advanced position during a short reverse partial rotation of the platen whereby an accumulation of slack is effected intermediate the respective strip engaging means to thereby relieve the binding pressure of the strips upon the transfer material and releasing the latter for retractive movement.

30. A transfer sheet shifter means for a writing macl1ine,' wherein record material strips and interleaved sheets of transfer material are advanced in unison past a writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically, preparatory to further advance movement, including relatively spaced stripengaging means having simultaneous engagement with.the record strips independently of the transfer mate-.

rial, the respective strip engaging means being relatively adjustable while engaged with the strips to effect an accumulation of slack in the strips intermediate the points of engagement ,of said strip engaging means therewith and there-.

by. relieve the binding pressure of the strips upon the interleaved transfer material and releasing the latter for retractive motion.

31. A carbon shifter means for writing machines wherein superposed record material strips and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material of less width are advanced in unison about a rotary platen roll of the writing' machine and past writing position and all the transfer material periodically and simultaneously retracted relative to the record material preparatory to further unison advance movement, including a movable carrier for the transfer material with which the sheets of transfer material are enjgageable in interleaved relation with the record material, a guide frame upon which the carrier is mounted for to and fro motion, and record strip engaging means carried by the platen roll engaging the margins of the record material independently of thetransfer material and loosely holding it substantially in its advanced position with corresponding portions of the superposed strips in registry while the sheets of transfer material are retracted therebetween by retrograde movement of the carrier.

32. A carbon shifter means for writing machines wherein superposed recordmaterlal strips and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material of less width are advanced in unison about a rotary platen roll of the writing machine and past writing position and the transfer material periodically retracted relative to. the record material preparatory tofurther unison advance movement,- including a movable carrier for the transfer material with which the sheets of transfer material are engageable in interleaved relation with the record material, a guide frame upon which the carrief is mounted'for to and from tion, feeding pins associated with theplaten roll and progressively engaging in spaced marginal holes in the. record material independently of:the transfer material-to loosely hold the record maerebetween by ractive 'movechines wherein superposed record material strips and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material of less width are advanced in unison about a rotary platen roll of the writing machine and past writing position and all the transfer material periodically and simultaneously when the record material is held in advanced but slackened position retracted relative to the record material preparatory to further unison advance movement, including a movable carrier for the transfer material with which the sheets of transfer material are engageable in interleaved relation with the record material, a guide frame upon which the carrier is mounted for to and fro motion, and record strip engaging means holding the margins thereof for retaining the record strips in relatively stationary but slackened relation to the platen roll independently of the transfer material during retractive movement of the transfer material therebetween by retraction of the carrier.

34. In a writing machine wherein superposed ,strips of record material and more than two interleaved portions of transfer material of less width than the record material are advanced in unison about a rotary platen of the writing machine, of a reciprocatory carrier with which the transfer material is engageable, and means cooperating with the platen roll and having engagement with the record material beyond the margins of the transfer material for holding the record material relative to the platen roll in its advanced position while all the transfer material is retracted simultaneously by retraction of the carrier.

35. In a writing machine wherein superposed strips of record material and more than two interleaved portions of transfer material of less width than the record material are advanced in unison about a rotary platen of the writing machine, of a reciprocatory carrier with which the transfer material is engageable, guide means therefor, and feeding pins associated with the platen and having engagement in marginally punched holes in the record material beyond the margins of the transfer material for loosely holding the record material relative to the platen roll in an advanced position while the transfer material is retracted by retraction of the carrier.

36. In a writing machine wherein superposed portions of record material and more than two.

width than the record material but confined thereby'are advanced in unison about a platen roll of thewritlng machine and the transfer-material periodicallyretracted independently of the record material which has been slackened preparatory to a succeeding unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier with which the interleaved transfer material is engageable, a guide structure therefor, record material engaging means on the carrier for connecting the record material therewith for unison motion in one directiomand means for holding the record 'mate'rlal extending around the platen stationarily in an advanced but slackened position independently of the. transfer material during the movement of the carrier-and transfer material in the opposite direction. I

87. In ,a writing machine wherein superposed portions of record material and interleaved portions of transfermaterial of less width than the record material are advanced in unison about a platen roll of the writing machine and. the transfer material periodically retracted independently of the record material preparatory to a succeeding unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier with which the interleaved transfer material is engageable, a guide structure therefor, record material engaging means for holding the record material independently of the transfer material in an advanced position, other record material engaging means for holding the record material in its advanced adjusted position relative to the platen roll, one of said record material engaging means being adjustable relative tothe other to afford an accumulation of slack in the record material intermediate the engaged points whereby tension thereon will be relieved to release the transfer material for retrograde movement.

38. In a writing machine wherein superposed portions of record material and interleaved portions of transfer material of less width than the record material are advanced in unison about a platen roll of the writing machine and the transfer material periodically retracted independently of the record material preparatory to a succeeding unison advance movement, a reciprocatory carrier with which the interleaved transfer material is engageable, a guide structure therefor, grippers engageable with the record material beyond the margins of the transfer material to fixedly hold the record material in its advanced position, feeding pins associated with the platen roll and engageable inmarginally punched holes in the record material beyond the margins of the transfer material for, holding the record material stationary relative to the platen roll, limited reverse movement of the platen roll operating to afford an accumulation of slackin the portion of the record material confined between the grippers and the feeding pins to thereby relieve the tension on such inaterial and release the interleaved transfer material for retractive movement. I

39. The herein described method, including feeding superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer sheets in unison past writing position, gripping the record strips independently of the interleaved transfer material in spaced relation rearwardly of the feeding point, relieving the tension of feeding movement of the strips and transfer material to thereby relieve the tension upon the strips intermediate the feeding point and that at which the strips are gripped to release the transfer material for retrograde movement.

40. The herein described method, including feeding superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer sheets in unison past writing position, gripping the record strips independently of the interleaved transfer material in spaced relation rearwardly of the feeding point, and gripping the record strips loosely contiguous to the feeding'point so that the transfer materlal may be withdrawn from between the record strips without the withdrawal movement causing a tightening up of frictional contact during the operation.

41. The herein described method of progressively feeding superposed record strips and interleaved transfer. sheets about a platen roll of a writing machine and intermittently retracting the transfer sheets, including feeding the record strips and transfer sheets in unison, arresting the movement of the main portions of the record strips independently of the transfer material at a position remote from the platen roll and releasing the tension of the record strips and transfer material with relation to the platen roll about which the record material extends circumferentially so as to permit a free movement for the transfer sheets while being retracted.

42. The herein described method of manipulating manifolding material in a writing machine, including feeding superposed strips of record material and interleaved transfer material in unison circumferentially past a writing position, holding the strips in their advanced positions without material retractive adjustment, causing a loose condition of the record strips contiguous to the writing position, thereby relieving the binding pressure of the circumferentially arranged strips upon ,the interleaved transfer material, and relatively retracting the transfer material,

43. The herein described method of manipulating manifolding material in a writing machine having a rotary platen, including progressively advancing superposed record strips and transfer material in unison circumferentially around said platen, creating a loose condition of the circumferentially arranged record strips and interleaved transfer material at all points of circumferential contact with the platen, and holding the record strips independently of the transfer material at a position remote from the writing machine platen and relatively retracting the transfer material past its interleaved position at the writing machine platen.

45. In a transfer material shifting means for writing machines having rotary platens, a traveling carbon carrier to which the plurality of sheets of transfer material are attachable independently of but in alternating relation with superposed record strips, means for interconnecting the record strips with the carrier for unison travel motion, means loosely connecting the record strips with the platen roll independently of 'the transfer material for feeding motion, and means for immovably holding the main portion of the strips independently of the transfer material at a point removed from the platen, the carrier and transfer sheets thus being retractable independently of the strips.

46. In a transfer sheet shifter means for writing machines, the combination with a platen roll of a writing machine about which superposed strips of record material and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material are to be fed in unison past a writing position, means for engaging a limited portion of the record material strips with the platen independently of the transfer material, and additional means for engaging the strips in spaced relation with their engagement with the platen roll, whereby an easy and simultaneous retraction of all the transfer material may be effected.

47. me transfer sheet shifter means for writposed strips of record material and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material are to be fed in unison past a writing position, means for loosely engaging a limited portion of the record material strips with the'platen independently of the transfer material, and additional means for engaging the strips in spaced relation with their engagement with the platen roll, whereby an easy and simultaneous retraction of all the transfer material may be efiected.

48. In a transfer sheet shifter means for writing machines, the combination with a platen roll of a writing machine about which superposed strips of record material and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material of less width are to be fed in unison past a writing position, pin wheel feeding means for loosely engaging a limited portion of the record material strips with the platen independently of the transfer material, and additional means for engaging the margins of the strips in spaced relation with their engagement with the platenroll, whereby an easy and simultaneous retraction of all the transfer material may be effected.

49. In a transfer sheet shifter means for writing machines, the combination with a platen roll of a writing machine about which superposed strips of record material and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material are to be fed in unison past a writing position, of means for loosely maintaining the record material strips and the transfer material with relation to the platen roll, and additional means removed from the platen for engaging the main portion of record material in spaced relation with their engagement with the platen roll, whereby a positive unchanging loose condition of the strips around the platen roll is maintained to prevent them tightening up during the simultaneous retraction of the transfer material.

50. The combination with a writing machine having unison feeding means for a plurality of superposed record strips and more than two interleaved transfer sheets, the margins of the record strips extending beyond the margins of the transfer sheets, holding means engageable with the slackened record strips independently of the transfer sheets, said record strips confining the transfer sheets on both sides, the extending margins of the record strips being engageable independently of the transfer sheets for retracting movement of all the transfer sheets simultaneously into registering relation with succeeding portions of the record strips to be inscribed.

51. In a transfer sheet shifter means for a writing machine, wherein record strips and interleaved transfer sheets confined by the record strips are advanced in unison around a rotary platen past writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically and simultaneously preparatory for further advance terial, and means for effecting the engagement of said detent means and to hold the record material strips during the shifting of the transfer material.

52. In a carbon shifter means for writing machines wherein record material strips and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material confined on both sides by the record material are advanced circumferentially in unison past a writing position and all the transfer material relatively retracted simultaneously while the record material is in slackened stationary position preparatory for further unison advance motion, including a traveling carrier for the transfer material, a guide frame upon which the carrier is mounted for to and fro motion, and control means therefor for maintaining the carrier in parallel relation in diflferent positions of adjustment, including a rotary shaft revolving with the to and fro motion of the carrier upon which gear wheels are mounted, said gear wheels being adapted to operate with corresponding control means associated with the guide frame.

53. In a carbon shifter means for writing machines wherein record material strips and more than two interleaved sheets of transfer material, confined on both sides by the record material, are advanced circumferentially in unison past a writing position and the transfer material relatively retracted periodically and simultaneously while the record strips are held in slackened position preparatory to further unison advance motion, including a traveling carrier for the transfer material, a guide frame upon which the carrier is mounted for to and fro motion, said carrier being mounted on gear wheels adapted to operate upon said guide frame.

54. In a typewriting machine having a rotary platen, pin wheel feeding and aligning means associated with said platen for aligning and circumferentially feeding manifolding material strips and more than two interleaved transfer material in unison past said platen and adapted to hold said manifolding material strips and interleaved transfer material in a comparatively loose condition with relation to the platen, additional means contiguous to the platen for holding the manifolding material strips in advanced position, and means for retracting all the transfer material simultaneously around the platen and relative to the manifolding material strips.

JOHN Q. SHERMAN. ALBERT W. ME'IZNER. 

